Expert: Don Wood - 5/9/2002

Question
Hi, my name is Chris Wright and I'm doing a project in my multimedia class at MacArthur High.  We have to choose a career and research that career.  And you have been chosen to help me with my project.  I would like to ask you a few very simple questions to maybe learn more about this career.

1. Would you recommend entering this career? Why or why not?

2. What is most rewarding about Photgraphy?

3. What is most frustrating about this career?

4. What is the most important ability or trait a person considering this career should have?

5 Do you think you will stay in photography? Why or why not?

 Thank you for your time and I appreciate your response.

Answer
1. If you are passionate about taking pictures for a living. If you're excited about your visions of pictures, then consider this as a career choice.
2. If you have taken a picture that makes your customers' eyes light up with the beauty, this is rewarding. If you have taken a picture that helps someone remember the slice of time such as a wedding, reunion, etc then this is rewarding.
3. If your vision of the photograph does not match that of the clients, then it is very frustrating. Illustration. I took a picture of a wedding couple in front of a stained glass window capturing the window but with the couple in silhouette. They commented that they'd rather have been able to see their faces.
4. Patience, and a gentleness in dealing with your clients. You have to know when to stand firm and answer their questions which are exasperating in such a way to not offend.
5. I have been in Photography for 32 years. I'm semi-retired now doing photos when people want not when I have to pay the bills.
I have enjoyed doing photos for a living. Many desire to enter the field, many do enter it but within a year or two have left it for a more lucrative field that will actually pay the bills. Some who leave it full-time will actually do it in evenings, weekends, vacations, etc.
Lots of luck. Sorry to be late in responding.
Don